Photo courtesy of Cosmopolitan UK, Wikipedia
1. Selena Gomez – RARE
Pop
Gomez started off the new year with a bang and this album was a major comeback for her. Although the singer thought it might end her career, nervous about what others would think, she received nothing less than love and support. Throughout each song, Gomez transparently weaves in themes of love and loss, allegedly about her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber. From her album, the song “Lose You to Love Me” was nominated for Best Lyrics for the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
2. Hailee Steinfeld – “Wrong Direction”
Pop
Steinfeld performed her new single for the first time live on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” She wrote on Instagram, "I performed “Wrong Direction” for the first time tonight on @colbertlateshow I didn’t expect it to be as hard as it was. The second I started singing I felt like my heart stopped.” The lyrics themselves are so transparent, they give the audience a glimpse into her heartbreak, allegedly from her breakup with her ex-boyfriend Niall Horan. “Wrong Direction” is a beautifully written and performed song.
3. Alicia Keys – “Underdog”
Contemporary R&B
Co-written with Ed Sheeran, Keys sheds light on a powerful message: never give up on your dreams even when the odds are stacked against you. “Underdog” is an anthem to keep believing that one day, you will rise up from your circumstances. “They said I would never make it/But I was built to break the mold/The only dream that I been chasing/Is my own.” In the song’s music video, these lyrics are paired with images of people from various backgrounds, coming together and seeing they all have a connection.
4. Dua Lipa – “Physical”
Pop
Dua Lipa has been credited with bringing back the true genre of pop music, and her recent hit “Physical” is nothing but a pure pop bop. The ‘80s-inspired single is just another taste of her newest album “Future Nostalgia,” set to drop on April 3rd.
5. Kesha – “High Road”
Pop
Kesha released “High Road,” her latest album, featuring a variety of empowering, emotional and upbeat songs. Kesha decided to name the album after the fourth track, “High Road,” as it expresses the importance of taking the high road when others try to tear you down. However, the album compiles a variety of styles and meanings, showing the growth and hardships of the singer. Ultimately, the album focuses on Kesha having pure fun creating and producing inspirational music.
6. Billie Eilish – “No Time To Die”
Electropop
“No Time To Die” is the 18-year-old’s latest single and the theme song for the 25th James Bond film of the same name. She gracefully performed the song live at the 2020 Brit Awards on Feb. 18 along with a full orchestra.
7. King Princess – “Ohio”
Alternative Rock
Four months after the album’s initial release, King Princess has added five more songs to the deluxe version of her debut album, “Cheap Queen.” Her newest single of the five is “Ohio,” which was accompanied with a music video and became available for streaming on Feb. 11. The single was previously announced with billboards asking, “How’s it been in Ohio?” The lesbian musician has used her femininity and queerness as a powerful statement and safe space for fans, coinciding with her rocking tunes.
8. Halsey – “You Should Be Sad”
Country/Pop
Weeks before dropping her album “Manic,” Halsey released “You Should Be Sad,” acknowledging an unfaithful ex who most fans believe to be G-Eazy. Halsey declares how lucky she is to not be in the relationship anymore while noting how she was treated. She ends the country-pop song with, “You can’t love nothing unless there’s something in it for you.”
9. Madison Beer – “Selfish”
Pop
After her breakup with Zack Bia, Madison Beer had a comeback with a tell-all song. She declared she could not fix him even though she loved him with all her heart.
10. Demi Lovato – “Anyone”
Pop
One of the greatest comebacks to music this year was Demi Lovato with the song “Anyone,” which was performed at the Grammys. An extremely emotional song, it was one of her first performances after a year and a half of recovery in rehab. “Anyone” represents Lovato’s intense feelings during a time when she was crying out for help. "I want to represent that for people, and show them they can get through anything,” she said in an interview with Andy Cohen on SiriusXM's Radio. Although it was a long journey, Lovato has gotten through to the other side and is continuing to inspire the world.
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